Chicago White Sox Sign Munetaka Murakami to Two-Year Contract
The Chicago White Sox announced on December 21, 2025, the signing of Munetaka Murakami to a two-year contract worth $34 million. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus payable within 30 days, with salaries set at $16 million for the first year and $17 million for the second year. The 2027 salary can increase based on Murakami's 2026 award achievements, with potential escalators of up to $1 million for Most Valuable Player (MVP), $500,000 for finishing second or third, $250,000 for fourth through tenth place, and $250,000 for Rookie of the Year. The Chicago White Sox also agreed to pay a posting fee of $6,575,000 to Yakult, Murakami’s Central League team, with Yakult receiving an additional 15% supplemental fee on any triggered escalators. Murakami, a left-handed batter, cannot be assigned to the minor leagues without his consent and will become a free agent after the conclusion of this contract. He will be the fourth Japanese-born player in Chicago White Sox history, following Shingo Takatsu, Tadahito Iguchi, and Kosuke Fukudome, with Takatsu having managed Murakami during his time in Japan. Murakami's accolades include being the Central League MVP in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, he hit 56 home runs, breaking Sadaharu Oh’s record for a Japanese-born player, and became Japan’s youngest Triple Crown winner. Over his eight seasons with the Yakult Swallows, Murakami has compiled a .270 batting average with 246 home runs and 647 RBIs in 892 games. His 2024 season was limited to 56 games due to an oblique injury, during which he posted 22 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a .273 average. He also played a key role in Japan’s 2023 World Baseball Classic victory, delivering a game-ending double against Mexico and a crucial tying home run in the final, helping Japan secure the title with a 3-2 win.
